State of California Extends Drought Mandates; California Water Service Extends Water Budgets

309 Days ago

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 3, 2016) - California Water Service (Cal Water) announced that it will continue using water budgets and banking following the decision on Tuesday, Feb. 2, by the State Water Resources Control Board (State) to extend mandatory water-use restrictions and reductions.

Cal Water customers will continue to receive individualized water budgets on their bills. Customers can also view upcoming water budgets and their consumption history online at usage.calwater.com. Upcoming water budgets will be based on customers' usage in the same month of 2013 as mandated by the State. Previously banked water will roll over to the upcoming months.

"We appreciate our customers' efforts thus far to reduce their water use during this historic drought," said Ken Jenkins, Cal Water's Director of Drought Management and Conservation. "Together with our customers, Cal Water systems company-wide achieved a 28.6% reduction in water use in June through December 2015 compared to 2013. While we are thankful for rain this winter, we know that it will take more to pull us out of the drought."

The State has also decided to allow water systems to receive credits that would lower their water use reduction requirement if specific criteria are met.

"We are carefully reviewing the criteria and how they may relate to our water systems, and we intend to apply for any credits available to us to reduce the impact to our customers," said Jenkins.

Following the April 1 snowpack assessment, the State will review water supply conditions and determine whether to modify drought regulations. Cal Water will notify customers of any changes in their water-use reduction targets.

As part of the company's customer-first approach to helping its customers meet water-use reduction targets, Cal Water continues to offer educational materials, numerous conservation programs, and other tools to reduce their water use. Customers may visit www.calwater.com/conservation or contact their local Customer Center for more information on programs and assistance available in their service area.

Cal Water serves about 2 million people through 478,000 service connections in California. The company has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.